Richardson ISD will launch two microschool models in 2027-28 that will offer alternative learning structures in a smaller environment.

The overview: The microschool programs were recommended initially by the district’s budget committee as a way to grow enrollment by offering educational models not currently available in RISD, Superintendent Tabitha Branum said.

The details: The Studio, a hybrid model for fourth and fifth grade, will blend on-campus and home learning days with a project-based, hands-on curriculum. Lumen Academy is a holistic program with traditional education methods for kindergarten and first grade.

Quote of note: “As we are seeing some declines in enrollment from multiple factors, we want to ensure that we have competitive programming that will allow us to recruit, retain or recover students,” Branum said.

Trung Nguyen Coffee is set to open a new location in the Richardson Square Mall, which is undergoing renovation, per a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The details: The Vietnamese coffee brand has recently opened locations of its chain Trung Nguyên E-Coffee in Frisco and other cities as well as the coffee shop Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee World in Houston. Trung Nguyen serves traditional Vietnamese coffee as well as lattes, espresso drinks and teas.

According to the TDLR filing, construction was expected to begin in October and will last through January.

• 201 S. Plano Road, Building 3, Ste. 318, Richardson

Check out five upcoming and ongoing transportation projects around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Upcoming projects

1. Park Boulevard arterial concrete repair

Project: The city of Plano is removing and reconstructing a concrete arterial street and sidewalk along Park Boulevard from US 75 to east city limits.

Update: Bids for the project opened in mid-October and construction is estimated to start in late November or early December, city officials said.

• Timeline: November 2026-June 2028

• Cost: $4.7 million

• Funding: city of Plano

2. East Bethany Drive Asphalt Overlay Project

Project: The scope of the project includes constructing a protective layer of asphalt over the existing pavement to extend the life of the roadway, city of Allen documents state.

Update: The construction contract has been awarded to Overland Corporation, city officials said.

• Timeline: Construction expected to begin no later than April 15, 2027

• Cost: $1.6 million

• Funding source: city of Allen

Democrats saw decisive wins up and down the ballot in Texas and across the nation in the Nov. 3 election, flipping the Lone Star State to Democratic control for the first time in a generation.

The big picture: Texas has had a Republican governor, state Senate and state House since 2003. Next year, the state will be led by a Democratic governor, with a Democratic lieutenant governor presiding over the Senate and House lawmakers likely electing a Democrat to lead the chamber—however, the senators themselves will remain majority-Republican.

More details: How much power Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin will have over the Texas Senate is largely up to senators, who will approve the chamber's new rules when the legislature convenes in January.

Sam Hooper, a legislative attorney and consultant, said he was "hopeful" that the election results would lead to "a more collegial Senate" and cooperation among lawmakers of both political parties.

The majority-Republican Senate and majority-Democrat House will have to find a balance, as bills cannot become law without approval from both chambers.